School Board to Discuss New Elementary School; Substitute Teacher Outsourcing

COLUMBIA - The Columbia Board of Education plans to discuss a number of issues Monday that could affect students and parents.

Board of Education President Tom Rose said he thinks the most important topic to discuss would be the results of a report on student performance in the district. Rose said he hopes to see improvements in math and communication arts district wide.

The board will also review the option of outsourcing its substitute teachers from Kelly Educational Staffing. Rose said the district hopes to increase its "fill rate" or the number of unfilled positions daily when teachers are out and no subs are available. Last year, the district had an average of six unfilled positions a day. Kelly Educational Staffing is in use in Springfield and would assign three staff members to Columbia.

Members hope to look at ways to reduce elementary school overcrowding in Columbia as well. Rose said Mill Creek Elementary School is overcrowded and plans are in place for a new elementary school on the south side of town to open around 2016. At the meeting, the board will discuss how building a new school will effect boundary lines for elementary schools.

Also, Rose said the board looks to approve a new name for Hickman High School's football stadium. The football booster club approached the board looking to name the stadium "Alumni Stadium." Rose said the field would remain named Robert M. Lemone Field, but the name of the stadium could change.